Weird: Parenting Devotional (Day 3 of 5)

Weird: Parenting – Day 3 of 5

It wasn’t supposed to happen. Jesus had spent nearly three years traveling from city to city, teaching others the ways of God. And without warning, a number of parents in one town began bringing their children to Jesus, asking Him to bless them. He could have easily sent them away. In fact, the disciples scolded the parents, believing that Jesus had many more important things to do than to spend his time with a bunch of children. But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children (Matt. 19:14).”

It was a simple statement. The disciples had heard a number of one-liners over the years. But this one stuck. “The Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these little children.”

Read: Matthew 19:13-15; Psalm 127:3-5; 1 Timothy 5:8; 1 Corinthians 13

Questions to Consider:

• What do you think it means that, “The Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these little children?”
• Read 1 Timothy 5:8. Do you think this passage is only talking about providing physical needs (food, clothing, shelter), or do you think it means something more?
• Read 1 Corinthians 13. This is the most well-known passage about what it means to love others. Read it carefully, and write down at least 5 things you will do this week to love your child.

Additional Question for those without children:

• Read 1 Corinthians 13. This is the most well-known passage about what it means to love others. Read it carefully, and write down at least 5 things you will do this week to love children you may come into contact with over the next few weeks.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, when I think about what it means that, “The Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these little children,” I’m amazed at the love that You show to children, and to me as one of Your children. I simply pray today that You will continue to reveal to me the love You have for me, so that I may better show that same love to my children. And I ask that they will come to see how much I truly do love them. Amen.